John W. Ittel

John Walther Ittel, age 80, of College Corner, Ohio, was called home by his Heavenly Father November 10, 2020 at Lorelei’s Place, a Butler Warren Hospice Facility. John was born in Hamilton, Ohio, at the former Mercy Hospital to Herbert and Florence (Walther) Ittel on January 3, 1940.

John was a graduate of Ross High School and attended Ohio State University. In 1959 John married Phyllis Frank. John was raised on a farm between Ross and Shandon, Ohio. He loved the farm, country life and was a steward of the soil. Any place that John ever owned was left in better condition than the way he found it. In addition to farming, John worked for Cincinnati Bell Telephone Company for thirty years. He first owned a small farm and later graduated to a larger one close to Hueston Woods. Within a few years of that purchase, Green Prairie Turf, a family business came into being, and that business continues today into the third generation. John was a 4-H leader for twenty years and served on the board of Butler Soil and Water for several years. He also served as a board member of the Historic Hopewell Church. John was a member of the Liberty Church of Christ where he served as an Elder for a number of years. John was a man of many interests and talents. He enjoyed singing and playing his baritone horn. He restored old Schwinn bikes, Minneapolis Moline tractors, windmills and Willys Jeeps. In years past, antique tractor shows were held at the farm and in more recent years Willys Jeep rallies. John’s handmade, turned bowls are beautiful creations desired by children and grandchildren alike. Even though John was born on a cold, freezing winter day it was most certainly a joyous day for the parents of this new life. And then God chose to call John home on a beautiful, warm day in the autumn of his life. November tenth was a joyous day for John. John was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, and four children: Gerald (Sherre) Ittel of Waynesville, Ohio, Jeffrey (Michele) Ittel of College Corner, Ohio, Brenda (Douglas) Spradling of Manchester, Tennessee Heather (Kasey) Dillman of Indianapolis, Indiana, fifteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren. A visitation will be held at the Ittel Family Farm (Green Prairie Farms), 6893 Jones Road, College Corner, Ohio 45003 on Saturday, November 14, 2020 at 11:00 AM until time of funeral service at 12:00 PM. Interment to follow at the Green Prairie Family Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Liberty Church of Christ Missions, and The Salvation Army

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